Analysis of human spermatozoa before and after processing for in vitro fertilization.

Washed incubated spermatozoa processed for in vitro fertilization were compared to the spermatozoa from the same unprocessed ejaculate in 31 randomly selected normal males (Group 1) and 7 subfertile males (Group 2). In Group 1 there was a significant increase in motility (P = 0.001) as well as a significant increase in normal morphology (P = 0.001). All categories of morphologically abnormal sperm decreased, with a significant decrease in those exhibiting small heads (P = 0.01), tapered heads (P = 0.01), cytoplasmic droplets (P = 0.001), bent midpieces (P = 0.01), or coiled tails (P = 0.02). There was also a significant decrease in immature germ cells (P = 0.001) as well as white blood cells (P = 0.02). Group 2 also showed a significant increase in motility (P = 0.01) and a significant increase in normal morphology (P = 0.01). There was a decrease in various categories of abnormal sperm, with a significant decrease in sperm with cytoplasmic droplets (P = 0.02).